How to Know Your Customers’ Digital Personality Type

Once upon a time, consumer demographics just referred to customers’ locations, genders, ages, incomes and other types of personal data. In the Information Age, this is no longer the case, research finds.

According to a new study by Mastercard, retailers should learn consumers’ online personas, which characterize the customers’ online behavior, willingness to share data and awareness of how that data is used. This information provides a better indicator of how retailers and marketers can target and engage with online and offline shoppers.

Open Sharers represent 21 percent of online consumers. These consumers are comfortable sharing information online if they will receive a deal or reward in return. They also access social media frequently, with 45 percent using Twitter, 83 percent going on Facebook and 64 percent signing onto Google+ on a daily basis.

2. Simple Interactors

Simple Interactors make up 21 percent of online consumers. They are considered the ultimate social networkers, but are not tech savvy. They are also aware of targeted marketing, but do not see the value in their own data and thus are not concerned about it. Although 80 percent of Simple Interactors research products online, 63 percent still prefer to shop in person.

3. Solely Shoppers

Solely Shoppers represent 21 percent of online consumers. They are the savviest and most informed online shoppers. Not only do they research products online, but they also practice “showrooming,” visiting a store and then using their mobile phones to compare prices online. However, as savvy as these consumers are, only 37 percent of Solely Shoppers realize when their personal data has been used to target advertisements on social media sites.

4. Passive Users

Passive Users represent 20 percent of online consumers. Skeptics by nature, they do not see true value in using the Internet. Passive Users access social networks less frequently and are more likely to shop in person.

5. Proactive Protectors

Proactive Protectors represent 17 percent of online consumers. The opposite of Open Sharers, Proactive Protectors place high importance on protecting their privacy online and are vigilant about who accesses their information. They are also highly aware of targeted marketing efforts and actively avoid marketers by not using social networks.